After a stretch of unseasonably warm days, the first real cold of the season is headed for the Cape Fear region. The National Weather Service in Wilmington issued a Freeze Watch early Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, for inland Pender and inland Brunswick counties, among other areas, covering late Saturday night through Sunday morning, Nov. 15. If you own a home in Burgaw, Rocky Point, inland Brunswick or anywhere away from the immediate coast, now is the time for a quick cold-weather check.
What the Forecast Says
According to the NWS Freeze Watch as published Nov. 13, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees are possible from late Saturday night through Sunday morning. The watch is in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and lists inland Pender and inland Brunswick counties among the affected areas. The weather service warns that frost and freeze conditions could kill sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
WWAY reported on Nov. 12 that highs were expected to fall from the 70s Thursday to around 60 Friday, with weekend highs struggling to reach the upper 50s and overnight lows in the 30s. The greatest freeze risk is Saturday night into Sunday morning, particularly away from the immediate coast. Coastal areas may stay slightly warmer, although frost is still possible. The StarNews also reported Nov. 12 that the first freeze of the season is expected across the Wilmington area.
Remember the Four P’s
Emergency preparedness officials quoted by WWAY recommend remembering the four P’s: people, pets, pipes and plants.
People
Check on older neighbors, relatives and young children, who can be more vulnerable to cold. Make sure your heating system is working before Saturday night, not during it.
Pets
Bring animals indoors when possible, or make sure outdoor animals have adequate shelter from the cold.
Pipes
To help prevent frozen pipes, WWAY’s report recommends letting water run slowly during the coldest hours and opening cabinet doors so warmer indoor air can circulate around plumbing. A few other common-sense steps:
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and cover outdoor spigots.
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls.
- Know where your main water shutoff is in case a pipe bursts.
- If you have an irrigation system, check whether its backflow device or exposed lines need protection.
Plants
Bring potted plants indoors until the cold passes. Cover tender landscape plants overnight and remove covers once temperatures rise.
Extra Checks for Coastal Home Types
Elevated and Beach Homes
Many homes on our barrier islands and in flood zones sit on pilings, which can leave water lines exposed under the house. Even if the coast stays a few degrees warmer than inland areas, wind can make exposed plumbing more vulnerable. Check pipe insulation under the home and around outdoor showers. If you own a second home or vacation rental that is empty this weekend, consider asking a property manager or neighbor to check on it. Our elevated beach home inspection checklist covers what to look for beneath the house.
Rural Homes, Wells and Propane
In rural Pender and Brunswick, many homes have private wells and pump houses, and some heat with propane. Make sure well equipment is sheltered, and check your propane level before the cold arrives. See our guide to buying a home with a propane tank for more on how those systems work.
Manufactured Homes
Plumbing under manufactured homes can be especially exposed. Check skirting for gaps and confirm any heat tape on water lines is working.
Buying or Selling This Weekend?
- Sellers with vacant listings: Keep the heat on at a safe setting and ask your agent or a trusted neighbor to check the home after the freeze.
- Buyers under contract: If a freeze occurs during your due diligence period, it is reasonable to ask your inspector to note any signs of plumbing issues.
- Everyone: This is a good reminder to work through a full winterizing checklist for your coastal home before deeper winter cold.
FAQ: This Weekend’s Freeze Watch
When is the freeze risk highest?
Late Saturday night through Sunday morning, Nov. 15, according to the NWS Freeze Watch.
Which local areas are included?
The watch lists inland Pender and inland Brunswick counties, along with several other counties in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina.
Will the beaches freeze?
Coastal areas may stay slightly warmer, but frost is still possible, so it is wise to protect exposed plumbing and tender plants.
Should I drip my faucets?
Letting water run slowly during the coldest hours is one of the steps recommended in WWAY’s report, along with opening cabinet doors under sinks.
We’re Here Year-Round
Stay warm this weekend. If you have questions about owning, buying or selling a home in Pender, Brunswick or New Hanover County, reach out to Aspyre Collective.
